The nu-metal band has mostly changed their ways, and have gone the way of alternative rock with this album, although on occasion showing their roots. Some have been crying about this change ("OMG Y CANT THEY JUS MAEK TH SAEM MUSIC OVR N OVR") but I've welcomed the change, as far as this album goes.
There's a lot changed about Linkin Park, and this album could be the album that most people would like, even if they didn't like their old style.The songs are a lot calmer in parts, like the 'Shadow of the Day' track which sounds strangely alike to U2's 'With or Without You', the sad sound of 'In Between' which actually has Mike Shinoda singing, and the almost pop-rock 'In Pieces', which I wish they'd do more songs in the style of that.
The fans of their old nu-metal sound shouldn't stray away, though, because there are still a few nu-metal tracks on here, which is sure to please with 'Given Up' where Chester Bennington screams for 17 whole seconds. Seriously, even if you dislike his voice, that's a talent right there.
Now onto the faults, which may be seen as positive depending on what kind of music fan you are: There's hardly any rapping, screaming, or DJ work. The DJ, Joe Hahn, is largely unheard in the music to the point of people actually having to pinpoint his work in their single 'What I've Done'. It's in there, but you really have to listen for it. If it's going to be that low in the mix, why put it in? Why even bother?
I can't really get too much into this review because the album seems to be missing something.. Interesting about it. There's not too much substance behind it. It's not an album you can keep returning to, but probably my favorite out of the ones Linkin Park has put out so far.
7/10
Recommended tracks: Given Up, In Between, In Pieces
